Foods that benefit hair: Let's make a list

Hi Amanda,

Thanks for your feedback.  This has always been one of my favorite topics.

When I lost a large percentage of my hair many years ago due to extreme dieting...I grew it back with the following mixture I call Karen's Hair Regrowth Oil Treatment:

1.  Basil essential oil (not synthetic)
2.  Mixed in a base of 100% organic jojoba oil. 
Basil applied directly to the scalp w/out a base oil is considered potentially toxic.  You always must mix it. 

I would mix 2-4 drops of basil into 1/16th of a cup of jojoba oil.  I would first detangle my hair from the ends to the roots and then separate it into 2-3" sections.  I applied the mix of jojoba/basil with the pads of my fingertips directly to the scalp at the roots.

Note:  Over time you can experiment with how many drop of Basil to mix into the jojoba which I prefer over other oils because it is so light.  Be care to never use to much Basil.  It will burn if not diluted properly.

Also, it's very important to be careful NOT to use fingernails since they can leave tiny scratches or cuts and this can cause the scalp to become irritated and shed even more hair.

Once I had applied the basil and jojoba mix to my hair in each individual section, I would wrap my hair in Saran Wrap and let it sit for 1-2 hours.

I would then apply just a few drop of shampoo to the scalp area where the oil was and NOT rub it in.  Just pat it on. 

Then I would stand in a lukewarm shower and dose my head with very clean gallon jugs of lukewarm water I had already pre-filled for the shower. 

By patting the shampoo onto the roots where the oil is but NOT rubbing it in, when the water hits the mix, it forms enough of a very light suds to softly remove the oil mix without being aggressive to the scalp or the roots.

I would let the suds flow down the length of my hair being careful to pat and not rub.  Yes, the desire to rub is there but it only encourages more fall out. 

Once I felt all the oil had been gently rinsed out...I would apply my favorite hydrating rinse out hair conditioner to the hair from the top of the ears down to the ends (leaving the roots untouched by conditioner which makes them flat).

I would leave the rinse-out conditioner on for a few minutes, rinse well and then finish with a cool/water rinse.

I would towel blot my hair, apply a detangler/leave-in conditioner and let my hair air dry in braids.

This Basil oil/jojoba treat worked great for me.  I am not sure it would work for everyone but it really helped my hair and roots become stronger and move vibrant.

Did it help my hair grow back?  I think so.  I was also taking the hair vitamins a chemist created for me which eventually became the HairTopia vitamins we still have at HairBoutique.com.

However, even without the vitamins, I could feel the Basil oil mixture on my roots.  They would tingle after I applied the mixture.

It really is important NOT to apply to many drops of Basil oil or apply it without a carrier base because it will burn the scalp and cause damage.

When done correctly, a great carrier oil base with an essential oil mix can work wonders to help the scalp and roots of the hair.

As far as food.......

My favorite hair foods are a variety of banana mixtures for the hair.  I also like avocado but find it harder to deal with. 

I've tried just about every imaginable food on my hair over the past 20 years and those two...bananas and avocado...remain my favorite.




Edited by Karen Shelton - July 31 2013 at 6:34am

I want to add sweet potatoes in this given list. The main benefit of sweet potatoes is that these are packed with Vitamin A. Vitamin A protects against dull hair and dry skin which are leading causes of dandruff. Other smart choices to get glowing hair and skin include carrots, kale, butternut squash, asparagus, and pumpkin.

Eggs, salmon, fish helps for healthy and long hair growth. Fish contains omega oil which is essential for hair growth.

Thanks for all the great posts and opinions shared.  After years of experimenting I can tell you that my experience shows that very specific foods do have a direct impact on my hair - both positive and negative. 

Black chick peas
Sprouted moong
All types of lentils
coconut

Amla….Coconut oil…fresh fish oil…

I was vegeterian for 2 years, but when I went back to eating white meat and oily fish such as makarel (I don't eat red meat which is conveniant as it's meant to be bad for your hair) my sister said she thought my hair had become thicker. I guess because of the protein. So white meats like chicken and things like oily fish is good food for your hair =)

Also like other people have mentioned, seeds (sunflower especially) and nuts are good foods for your hair (and health in general!)

Dark green vegetables (spinach) are good for your hair.
Just ask Popeye.

Yougurt is good because it contains protein. Sugar free yougurt is the way to go, regardless.

And Milk! Great source of protein and yummy too.

Indian gooseberry is also good for our hair.It has vitamins which is useful
for growing hair.